Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

• Account Information: Username, email address, and profile information you provide when creating an account
• Location Data: Your current location to show nearby challenges and enable location-based features. This data is used in real-time and is not stored permanently.
• Camera and Photos: Photos you take or select to complete challenges
• Challenge Data: Challenges you create, participate in, and content you share
• Usage Information: How you interact with the app, features you use, and your preferences
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, and app version

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and maintain the Travel Challenge app
• Show you relevant challenges based on your location
• Store and display photos you upload for challenges
• Process your account registration and manage your profile
• Enable you to create and participate in challenges
• Connect you with other users and facilitate social interactions
• Send you important updates and notifications
• Improve our services and develop new features
• Ensure the safety and security of our platform

3. Camera and Photo Permissions

Our app requests camera permission to:

• Take photos directly within the app to complete challenges
• Select photos from your device's gallery

Photos are uploaded to Firebase Storage and are only used to:

• Display in challenge submissions
• Verify challenge completion

You can revoke camera permissions at any time through your device settings.

4. Location Permissions

Our app requests location permission to:

• Show you nearby challenges based on your current location
• Enable location-based features and challenge discovery

Your location data is:

• Used only in real-time to provide nearby challenges
• Not stored permanently on our servers
• Not shared with third parties

You can revoke location permissions at any time through your device settings.

5. Information Sharing

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Other Users: Your username and challenge-related data may be visible to other users. We do not share your email address, age, or other personal information with other users.
• Service Providers: We may share data with trusted third-party services that help us operate the app
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, your information may be transferred

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Your data is stored securely using Firebase services:

• User accounts and profiles are stored in Firebase Authentication and Firestore
• Photos are stored in Firebase Storage
• All data is encrypted in transit and at rest

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time. Some information may be retained for legal or legitimate business purposes.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access and review your personal information
• Update or correct your account information
• Delete your account and associated data
• Opt out of certain communications
• Request a copy of your data
• Revoke camera and location permissions
• Contact us with privacy concerns

9. Cookies and Tracking

We may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze app usage, and provide personalized content. You can control cookie settings through your device or browser preferences.

10. Third-Party Services

Our app may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

11. Children's Privacy

Our app is intended for users aged 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

12. International Users

If you are using our app from outside your country of residence, please note that your information may be transferred to and processed in countries with different privacy laws. By using our app, you consent to such transfers.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy in the app or sending you a notification. Your continued use of the app after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at: